Introduction

What kind of shoes you choose to wear for hiking depend on your choice. However, different hiking shoes are made for different purposes and it is important to choose carefully, especially if you are going to have a challenging hike. Hiking shoes are perfect options for those who do not have a heavy backpack. They offer stiffness and medium support for your feet. Some hiking shoes have a waterproof lining that protects you from streams or mud without getting a soaker. If you use your tennis shoes to go for a hike, it will stay wet and heavy under the same conditions. However, if you use it mostly in the warm weather or the summer, lightweight and well-ventilated shoes with numerous of mesh will let your feet to breathe more easily. Most sporting stores have wide selections of hiking shoes; you can try it on before decide which one is the best for you.

There is a wide range of products available on the market today, and below I have reviewed 5 of the very best options.

**Below, you will find more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer reviews on Amazon.

What to look for in the best hiking shoes?

Material

Your hiking shoes need to be able to withstand the weather and the conditions of the terrain while providing comfort and good support on a day hike with a moderate backpack. Compared to hiking boots, hiking shoes are flexible and lighter. It is because they are made from different materials.

The main material of high-quality hiking shoes is nubuck leather, a type of cattle leather that has been sanded on the outside. It’s resistant to abrasion and water, provide lesser durability but have greater flexibility than full-grain leather. Suede leather is another option for you because shoes made from this type of leather is softer and more flexible.

Hiking shoes are sometimes made of leather with a combination of mesh outer material. The disadvantage of this mesh side panel is that it is not as strong as leather, but it is more breathable and significantly lighter for your feet. Nonetheless, it is important to note that, while they can be much lighter on your feet, they will not offer much support at the end of a long day hike.

Waterproofing

While a waterproof hiking shoe is a great option in wet and cold conditions, they can be counterproductive in hot weather. Therefore, whether you choose a waterproofing shoe depends on the type of hiking you want to do the most. Waterproofing shoe is more likely to add heat to your feet when you go hiking, but it also suitable for all locations and seasons.

Shoes are made from leather are naturally waterproof and will protect you from all the elements: cold, rain and snow. However, they need to be coated with some treatments before use. The disadvantage of leather shoes is that it is less breathable, that is why leather shoes normally have a textile mesh panel for air flow.

The most popular material for waterproof shoes is Gore-Tex. It is a material that can provide waterproofing with breathability, keeping your feet drier than other materials.

Support and cushioning

Hiking shoes need to have enough support and cushioning to keep your feet comfortable in all type of terrains. One of the methods hiking shoes provide cushioning is through the insole. It is the removable lining in the hiking shoes and often made of ethylene vinyl acetate.

While a good hiking shoe provides substantial protection, the addition of a good insole can make a big difference to your foot comfort. Some people need arch and heel support and some people want cushioned insoles and for those who want to add warmth, there are heated insoles.

There are two main types of insoles: comfort insole and sports insole. The best comfort insoles are made of foam or gel; it offers more rigid fit and focuses on providing support. The best sports insoles are usually made of harder material since they need to provide more stability and focuses on shock absorption. If you are a first-time buyer, you might want to visit the store and try different types of insoles to see which ones fit your feet best.

In addition, the layer between the base of the shoe and the insole, known as the midsole, is also made of special material to help absorb shock when you’re hiking. Midsole have an important part in providing support for your arches and heels.

Product Reviews – The Best Hiking Shoes

Choosing the Best Hiking Shoes for Your Next Adventure

Sometimes, you might want to trek to the camping spot then switch to lightweight shoes for short day hikes. Therefore, it is not easy to find the best hiking shoes that can meet all your needs.

If price is not a concern, you should get at least 2 pairs. If your budget doesn’t allow it, you need to decide which type of hiking you want to do the most and start from there.

Take all the time you need to find the right shoe pair for you because there are a lot of manufacturers and lines to choose from. The best time to shop for hiking shoes is when they’ve reached the full size, which is evening.

In addition, you might want to ignore size numbers and choose a shoe that feels right for your foot size. Don’t buy any shoes if a narrow toe box cramps your toes. Your toes should have enough room at all time. Remember to try the hiking shoes with the socks you are likely to be wearing when hiking.